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Christie Brinkley cast as Roxie Hart in Chicago 11 July

Thursday, 9 June, 2011

Supermodel Christie Brinkley, who made her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in Chicagoearlier this year, will make her West End debut in the London production at the Cambridge Theatre, from 11 July to 6 Aug 2011. At the same time Amra-Faye Wright, who has been playing Velma Kelly opposite Christie on Broadway, will return to the London production as 'Velma Kelly', a role she played off and on in London since 2005.

Jonathan Wilkes will continue in the role of 'Billy Flynn', James Doherty as 'Amos Hart', Jasna Ivir as 'Mama Morton' and R. Whitehead as Mary Sunshine, all until 27 August 2011, when Chicago closes at the Cambridge Theatre. (Producers are hoping to find another venue to take the show after this date!)

Christie Brinkley is one of America’s most recognisable models, appearing on over 500 magazine covers worldwide. She made her acting debut in 1983 opposite Chevy Chase in the film National Lampoon’s Vacation and also appeared in the sequel, National Lampoon’s Vegas Vacation. On television, her appearances have included the 1990s series Mad About You starring Helen Hunt and, more recently, Ugly Betty. As an environmentalist and political activist, Christie has addressed the United Nations and has been a Democratic delegate.

Chicago, opened at the Adelphi Theatre 18 Nov 1997, following previews from 27 Oct 1997, ending at the Adelphi theatre on 22 April 2006. It re-opened at the Cambridge Theatre on 28 April 2006, where it will now run to 27 Aug 2011.

Chicago, is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, has a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. Scenic design is by John Lee Beatty, costume design by William Ivey Long, lighting by Ken Billington and sound by Rick Clarke. Musical supervision is by Rob Fisher and musical direction by Gareth Valentine. It is choreographed by Ann Reinking in the style of Bob Fosse and directed by Walter Bobbie.

The musical concerns Roxie, a chorus girl who has murdered her lover but manages to get acquitted with the help of sleazy lawyer.